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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
A critique of masculine scientific rationality. While the novel contains misogynistic attitudes and extremely disturbing scenes (CW), it also serves as a penetrating exposition of masculine entitlement and the limitations of purely rational thought that dissects/exposes rather than endorses the protagonist's warped worldview. Also recommend watching the 1964 film adaptation after reading if you can stomach the content.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I almost read this entire thing in one sitting, and would have if I hadn't started started it at nap time. The creepy, surreal world that the man finds himself trapped in was hard to pull away from, as I kept wondering how he was going to get himself out of a glorified sand trap...plus, what the whole point of him being trapped there in the first place was.
As the story wound down, I more and more grew to really dislike him and the way he manipulates the title character. Overall, though, the story was fascinating and it was a satisfying way to see things wrap up. Really strange, either way.
As the story wound down, I more and more grew to really dislike him and the way he manipulates the title character. Overall, though, the story was fascinating and it was a satisfying way to see things wrap up. Really strange, either way.
fascinating read that has helped some existential dread to seep into my bones. something something society traps us into mindless repetition that we accept without much question. it's like the dude became the insect that he himself studies... he is trapped there... crazy
dark
medium-paced
It's true, this book is very Kafka-like. It sends you through the emotions of the main character: anxiety, anger, hopelessness, etc., and "the woman": delusion, depression, hope. The ending is a little weird, not in what it "means," but it leaves you wanting to know how it ended for everyone.
An existentialist Japanese novel about a man getting stuck in a village, buried by sand.
Extremely atmospheric, with the sand almost being its own character. The level of detail it is written really allows for the reader to get absorbed into the oppressive atmosphere of the sand. You can almost feel the sand stuck to your sweaty body, or taste it in your mouth. The level of detail really added a layer of realism to the story that otherwise read like some sort of hazy fever dream.
My only gripe is the main character felt like an incel at times, and some parts felt a bit "rapey" and over sexualized. Generally I don't mind unlikable characters, so it wasn't a huge deal for me, but was just a bit uncomfortable at times.
Extremely atmospheric, with the sand almost being its own character. The level of detail it is written really allows for the reader to get absorbed into the oppressive atmosphere of the sand. You can almost feel the sand stuck to your sweaty body, or taste it in your mouth. The level of detail really added a layer of realism to the story that otherwise read like some sort of hazy fever dream.
My only gripe is the main character felt like an incel at times, and some parts felt a bit "rapey" and over sexualized. Generally I don't mind unlikable characters, so it wasn't a huge deal for me, but was just a bit uncomfortable at times.
I read this as part of a Japanese literature class. Read this during the winter when the thought of sand might conjure up feelings of warmth. A movie was made of the book. Don't bother with it.
I'd recommend Soseki over Abe. Maybe even Mishima.
I'd recommend Soseki over Abe. Maybe even Mishima.
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced